Here Comes Ms. Jordan

Every year, I watch my “American Idol” hopes go down in flames. Last year, I wanted anyone but Taylor Hicks. The year before, I thought Carrie Underwood was pleasant but not all that interesting. So, this year, I’m fully prepared to see Jordin Sparks lose by May 23.

But the truth is that if all four of the remaining competitors made albums, Jordin’s is the only one I’d shell out money for. She’s the one finalist who’s great now and still has the potential to get even better.

On Tuesday’s show, the final four got a chance to sing Bee Gees’ songs, and, of course, that was bound to be a challenge and it was. Melinda Doolittle opened with a bland rendition of “Love You Inside Out,” which Simon correctly judged was “not incredible.” Second time out, she did better with “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” but she’s still just predictably good. Even the judges are looking for more at this point. Still, it’s probably her title to lose, in the long run.

Blake Lewis and LaKisha Jones had a really bad night. Blake offered a tuneless, beata-boxed version of “You Should Be Dancing” that made me want to say, “Yes, you should. Anything but singing.” He came back with a lesser known Bee Gees song, “This Is Where I Came In.” Well, it could be where you go out, dude.

LaKisha did “Stayin’ Alive” but lost the melody along the way. She returned with “Run To Me,” which was better, but not great.

Jordin, on the other hand, opened with “To Love Somebody,” making the song her own and delivering its storyline. It was terrific. She closed the show with “Woman in Love,” made famous by BarbraStreisand. Her first song was explosively great and this one was only good. Still, she’s the one real singer in the final four, now and, Lord knows, in the future

LaKisha and Blake are on the bubble this week. Blake may eke out another week just because he’s the only guy in the quartet. But he shouldn’t be making dinner reservations at Muso and Frank’s for later in May.